Obama image tarnished in new poll

Washington: Almost six in 10 Americans express disappointment with Barack Obama`s presidency, according to a new poll, which also shows Republicans with the edge heading into mid-term elections in November.

The survey, by CBS News and the New York Times, also found that 82 per cent of Democratic voters want Hillary Clinton to make another White House run in 2016.

Obama`s popularity continues to thin, according to the survey, which puts his approval rating at 41 per cent with 57 per cent of those asked saying they actively disapprove of his performance.

The polling, carried out between February 19 and 23, showed that the Democratic president`s exposure to Washington`s bitter political battles is shaping long term views of his White House years.

Fifty-nine per cent said that they were somewhat or very disappointed with Obama`s presidency. But the US leader is retaining support in his political base, with 24 per cent of Democrats very satisfied with his performance and 51 per cent stating they were somewhat satisfied.
The president`s political image has been tarnished by the disastrous rollout of his signature health care law.

The sluggish economic recovery, which has left unemployment high may also be bringing down his ratings, as well as simple public fatigue with his presidency, now in the second year of his second term.